KL Rahul
3rd ODI: India look to avoid whitewash against South Africa
KL Rahul-led side lost the first ODI by 31 runs while they suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the second match of the three-match series on Friday. Having learned the lessons from the hosts' batting, India will have to alter their plans to find solutions to their middle-over woes. The batting lost its way in the middle overs in both matches despite promising starts and there could be potential changes to the Indian playing XI.
1st ODI: Our middle-order couldn't get going, we needed more partnerships, says KL Rahul
"It was a nice game. There's so much to learn. We started off really well, we couldn't get wickets in the middle. We'll look to see how we get wickets in the middle overs and stop the opposition. The middle-order couldn't get going. We were on par for the first 20-25 overs of the game. I thought we would chase it down easily but SA bowled really well and got crucial wickets," Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
We aren't scared to try things, focus will be on getting the best XI on the park: Rahul
India are playing an ODI series after a long time and they are in search of a strong playing XI and correct team balance. The opener, who is now part of the leadership group, feels the multiple ODI series this year will give the team a chance to experiment. "This year we will be playing a few one-day series, which will give us a chance to try out new things. We've all sat down as a team and had an honest talk about the things we need to improve and the things that we need to get better at.
SA v IND, 1st Test: It's a super special year for Team India, says KL Rahul
KL Rahul on Thursday said that 2021 will go down as one of the great years in the history of Indian cricket, especially with regards to Test format. He added that his 123 against South Africa in the first Test here is right up there for him alongside his other overseas hundreds.
KL Rahul may lead in ODI series against Proteas if Rohit fails to recover in time: Report
Rohit was named India's limited-overs captain ahead of the start of the South Africa tour earlier this month. He was also appointed vice-captain of the Test side. However, he got injured (hamstring injury) during the training session in Mumbai and was later ruled out of the Test series against Proteas.
SA v IND, 1st Test: I think the highlight for us as a team is Rahul getting a big hundred, says Agarwal
"I think the highlight for us as a team is Rahul getting a big hundred. But the crucial point for us is getting partnerships. We got good partnerships, first up. Then, with Virat and KL and then Ajinkya and KL, I hope they can continue the same. Knitting partnerships and making them bigger and bigger is the key, is also the highlight for us as a team today," said Agarwal in the virtual press conference.
SA v IND: India out to crack the South Africa code as tour begins with Boxing Day Test
After the Omicron variant of COVID-19 virus threatened to cancel the tour, the fixtures were revised with the Tests and ODIs retaining their places and changes in dates.
South Africa, with its pace, bounce and challenging pitches, has been a place where India haven't won yet. Australia and England have been conquered but South Africa is yet to be. In 2018, India gave a glimmer of hope when it began the first Test at Cape Town very well. But South Africa bounced back and quashed hopes of an Indian win, eventually winning the series 2-1.
KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal indicate they are geared to open for India in SA Test series
India cricketers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are looking forward to a fruitful journey during the three-Test series against South Africa beginning with the Boxing Day Test . The injuries to prolific run-getter Rohit Sharma and young Shubman Gill have pitchforked Rahul and Agrawal into the limelight and the duo will most certainly open the innings in South Africa.
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